Helen L. Bruce, Ewa Krolikowska and Tara Rooney
This editorial introduces a special issue of the Journal of Services Marketing, dedicated to papers discussing the effect of the physical context on customer experience. This…
Abstract
Purpose
This editorial introduces a special issue of the Journal of Services Marketing, dedicated to papers discussing the effect of the physical context on customer experience. This study aims to identify diverse areas of extant knowledge, upon which researchers might draw when investigating the effect of the physical context on customer experience, to inform future research agendas.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on available literature, the authors argue that, as prior studies in diverse scholarly fields have explored the physical context, these bodies of knowledge may offer theories and constructs that meaningfully inform explorations of the effect of the physical context on customer experience.
Findings
The authors identify five marketing subdisciplines and six nonmarketing disciplines, each offering theories, constructs and perspectives which researchers might draw upon in future studies of the effects of the physical context on customer experience.
Originality/value
The authors develop a novel map which depicts the field of study of the effects of the physical context on customer experience, which scholars might use to inform future research design. In addition, the authors suggest several directions for future research.
Details
Keywords
Jovan Velroy Fernandes and Ewa Krolikowska
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the conceptualisation of the festival customer experience by proposing a new framework based on three interrelated concepts: event…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the conceptualisation of the festival customer experience by proposing a new framework based on three interrelated concepts: event design, social environment and digital environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a theory adaptation research design to adapt an existing customer experience framework to the specific context of festival customer experience based on the literature on customer experience and experiential marketing within events, festivals, tourism and leisure.
Findings
Based on this new conceptual framework, the authors identify interrelationships between event design, social environment and digital environment which can be managed by festival organisers to improve the customer experience.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s analysis identifies five areas which are crucial for managing the contemporary festival customer experience. It offers researchers a conceptual framework for further development.
Originality/value
The paper proposes a new conceptual framework for festival customer experience which can be used to improve brand experiences at festivals. This is an emerging area which warrants further attention since festivals provide a valuable opportunity for brands to engage and build relationships with prospective and existing customers. This study is the first to combine insights from the interrelationships between event design, digital environment and social environment to better understand how to improve the management of brand experiences at festivals.
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Sven Kuenzel and Ewa Krolikowska
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty (word‐of‐mouth, continuance and non‐audit services) to audit firms providing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty (word‐of‐mouth, continuance and non‐audit services) to audit firms providing services to companies listed on the Polish Stock Exchange.
Design/methodology/approach
A model is proposed and tested using structural equation modeling with LISREL. Data were collected from top executives of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Findings
The psychological bond has a positive effect on word‐of‐mouth, continuance and non‐audit services.
Research limitations/implications
The current research is limited to the investigation of the psychological bond as an antecedent of behavioral loyalty in Poland. Future research should identify and assess other antecedents and replicate these across different countries. A longitudinal survey across different points in time might reveal more useful information about auditor‐client relationships.
Practical implications
Auditors need to consider ways in which they can develop the psychological bond with their clients. This bond is the basis for the client believing the audit firm is superior to others, which has been found to lead to behavioral loyalty in this study. In particular, management of the auditor brand and reputation, personal experience of the audit firm and alumni relations are discussed as ways of enhancing the psychological bond among client executives.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine the impact of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty in auditor‐client relationships.